Starting at 2.99 lbs., and less than a quarter-inch at its thinnest point, the XPS 13 combines performance-oriented thoughtful design with the latest Intel technology, such as Rapid Start and Smart Connect, to enable users to be productive, connected and responsive anywhere.

The latest and most mobile laptop in Dell's portfolio, the XPS 13 is part of Dell's high-end XPS brand, which is now 20 percent of Dell's total consumer laptop business. Revenue for XPS laptops has increased 207 percent over last year when the company re-launched the brand to better meet the needs of today's mobile professionals.

The XPS 13 delivers second-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, Intel HD 3000 graphics and a bright high definition WLED 300-nit display for outstanding viewing experiences, packaged in an elegantly-designed, ultraportable laptop. For users who store movies, music and photos, the XPS 13 has 128 GB and 256 GB solid state hard drive options, plus an additional 100 GB of cloud storage through Dell DataSafe for seamless content backup and sharing at no additional cost. Additionally, all XPS 13 units include a 12-month Skype Premium subscriptioniv to always stay in touch.

"The XPS 13 is the culmination of an extensive design and development process focused on creating the best Ultrabook on the planet," said Jeff Clarke, vice chairman, Global Operations and End User Computing. "It is specifically engineered to help both our consumer and commercial customers be more productive and connected in every way possible. From the edge-to-edge frameless display that packs more screen into a compact body, to the innovative carbon fiber base that is lightweight and cool to the touch, the XPS 13 exemplifies our commitment to offering industry-leading mobile solutions that deliver durability and performance without compromise."

Lead with Style and Never Miss a Moment

Purposefully designed and artfully built since it was first conceived in 2010, the XPS 13 maximizes the Ultrabook experience for users: edge-to-edge display with hardened Gorilla Glass; a full-size backlit keyboard with a large glass touchpad with integrated buttons and multi-gestural support; and up to eight hours, fifty-three minutes of battery life. All in a package starting at 2.99 lbs.

The 13.3-inch high definition display with slim bezel fits in a body size similar to the form factor of an 11-inch product, making it the most compact Ultrabook available. (Other 13.3-inch laptops offer the same viewing area but with up to a 15 percent larger footprint.) The carbon fiber composite base extends the design process, offering a premium visual appeal, and is lighter and cooler to the touch than aluminum.

Keeping connected and getting online quickly is now a reality. The XPS 13 is one of the first Ultrabooks to feature Intel Smart Connect technology, which wakes periodically to detect known networks and update calendar and email. With solid state drives and Intel Rapid Start technology, the XPS 13 boots in seconds, giving customers the performance of a laptop with the instant gratification experience of a smartphone. Dell will also integrate location awareness via Skyhook and Google Places shortly after launch. Because the ultrathin and compact XPS 13 is ideal for use on the go, staying connected will be even easier for those who are first to buy one. The first 10,000 customers to purchase an XPS 13 in the U.S. will receive a free T-Mobile 4G Mobile HotSpot and 90 days of free mobile broadband service at up to 4G speeds on America's Largest 4G Network with no annual contract at time of purchase. The T-Mobile 4G HotSpot lets customers stay connected on the go by linking up to five WiFi devices to high speed Internet using America's Largest 4G Network.

"When Dell began the conversation of what an Ultrabook could be, we carefully considered how to provide customers not only incredible mobility, but also the kind of performance experience you would expect from something much larger," said Steve Felice, president and Chief Commercial Officer of Dell. "A 'good-enough' Ultrabook wasn't good enough for us. We were committed to developing what an Ultrabook can and should be with the XPS 13 and providing a superior user experience."

"The XPS 13 represents the most balanced of the Ultrabook class of notebooks to hit the market so far," said Rob Enderle, Analyst for the Enderle Group. "Ultrabooks started by forcing people to make a choice between beauty and practicality and Dell took the time to make sure their offering would not only be very attractive, but address the critical needs of business and education buyers as well. Perhaps the best way to describe the XPS 13 is 'beautifully uncompromised.'"

Best of Both Worlds - Enterprise Friendly Features that the IT Department will Love

Dell went a step further with the XPS 13 to create appeal for all customers - for work and for play - and has made it easier for IT departments to choose laptops that offer the security and services they value in a fit and finish executives and employees demand. Enterprise-friendly features include standard Trusted Platform Module for BitLocker Data Encryption and optional ProSupport after-sales service and Configuration Services such as custom imaging and asset tagging. Combined with available customer service options, including concierge and software support, the XPS 13 is one of the most balanced Ultrabooks available for any need.

America's Best Protection Plan for Consumers

Dell wants its home customers to experience the XPS 13 with the best standard protection planv in the industry. In addition to the Limited Hardware Warranty, Dell is including one year of Accidental Damage Service and one year of theft protection with Computrace LoJack for Laptops Theft Recovery Service as standard. Accidental Damage Service provides customers with peace of mind by protecting against drops and spills and other accidents that may occur. Computrace LoJack for Laptops Theft Recovery Service helps track, locate, lock down and recover a stolen system, and can even remotely delete sensitive data.

Understanding its customers' need to purchase responsible products, Dell designed the XPS 13 with the environment in mind. Its energy-efficient LED displays have no mercury or arsenic and Dell eliminated harmful toxins such as Brominated Flame Retardants and Polyvinyl Chloride (BFR/PVCs). The XPS 13 is shipped in many locations with sustainably harvested bamboo packaging material. Every XPS 13 can be configured to be ENERGY STAR qualified, helping customers reduce energy costs. When the time comes, Dell offers multiple recycling options (learn more at Dell.com/recycling).

The XPS 13 will be available at the end of February in the United States through www.Dell.com, and in select retail stores nationwide at a starting price of $999 with an Intel Core i5 processor, 128 GB SSD hard drive and 4 GB memory. Customers can reserve the XPS 13 on www.dell.com starting today. The first 10,000 customers in the U.S. to purchase an XPS 13 will receive a free T-Mobile 4G Mobile HotSpot and 90 days of free mobile broadband service at up to 4G speeds on America's Largest 4G Network with no annual contract at time of purchase - a value of more than $200. The XPS 13 will be available in select geographies around the world in March 2012.

I know all these manufactures are just spitting these ultrabooks out like hotcakes from some reference design, but don't you think ONE of them would actually design a mainboard and throw in a mid range videocard? That's all we want. I am not asking for a Blade or anything

Why u no understand this
Now seriously... The purpose of the ultrabook was that many manufacturers make many models on the same barebone which was defined by Intel. That's why all of them have these CPU choices and none of them has dedicated graphics chip. If it has it is not a an ultrabook anymore.. it is just an ultrathin multimedia laptop then. The ultrabooks are designed to offer multimedia performance in a small size, they have nothing to do with anything more than that, and for its purpose the HD3000 is enough so is the screen too. You will have a HD or HD+ 13 inch screen on such a computer you will only be able to use it at HD movies to span on the whole screen because for daily use the 1366*768 res is much more confortable.. of course cheaper to produce. This is basically intended to be the netbook done right.. a bit bigger..packs more punch.. but should be used the same way as a netbook or a htpc at most.

This XPS design is just superb for portability-needing Audiovisual technicians...
And at Jan 2012 -via Ivy Bridge- we are at a few months of Thunderbolt included in Win Laptops, that means firewire, Madi, and etc, etc meaning a plaetora of PRO connections that translates in very low latency connections and wide versatility.
(Magma has just released a Thunderbolt to PCIe external portable box).

Additionally Ivy will also mean, from 2-3hrs to 4-6hrs of real battery capacity augment PLUS lowering the laptop temperature for the same processor performance...

Therefore many potential users are waiting to see Ultrabooks with capacities like said here and DELL's XPS and Vostro lines are expected to bring those to the table... let's say at may 2012.

I just don't understand this release, even if Intel makes this XPS Ivy Bridge upgradeable (which so far has negated it for cougar point mobile chipsets) and carries ExpressCards (to replace thunderbolt versatility at low latencies), Ultrabooks like this one still would lack native USB3, while functioning at high temperatures and with comparable lower battery capacity...
In sum, this line will be obsolete for mid 2012!!!

Why u no understand this
Now seriously... The purpose of the ultrabook was that many manufacturers make many models on the same barebone which was defined by Intel. That's why all of them have these CPU choices and none of them has dedicated graphics chip. If it has it is not a an ultrabook anymore.. it is just an ultrathin multimedia laptop then. The ultrabooks are designed to offer multimedia performance in a small size, they have nothing to do with anything more than that, and for its purpose the HD3000 is enough so is the screen too. You will have a HD or HD+ 13 inch screen on such a computer you will only be able to use it at HD movies to span on the whole screen because for daily use the 1366*768 res is much more confortable.. of course cheaper to produce. This is basically intended to be the netbook done right.. a bit bigger..packs more punch.. but should be used the same way as a netbook or a htpc at most.

Click to expand...

Well buddy the fact is we do understand, and frankly so does APPLE[MBA-1440X900]

SO WHY THE HELL CANT DELL DO IT? they want our money, so make a damn laptop that has a decent resolution for crying out loud, its the MAIN INTERFACE =THE SCREEN!!!
They could do it, and folks would pay more for it, its a marketing ploy to allow upgrade envy when they do finally do it on preceding models i feel.

I think people miss the point here - The screen res at that size screen is more than adequate, I have a 14in lappy with that res and it looks at good as my 24in at 1920. They are not designed to be gaming or mulitmedia powerhouses. They are designed to be ultrathin, ultraportable laptops for everyday use and the i5 / hd3000 combo does this perfectly. If they were to have dedicated gfx cards they would need more cooling, more airflow, more heatsinks and hence more weight taking them out of the ultrabook category and into the general notebook category. Simple!